The world's largest chemical producer found the going tougher than expected in the first half of 2013. Sales revenue increased by 4% to €8.1 billion, and EBIT before special items by 2.5% to €4 billion, In Q2, sales added 3% year-on-year to just under €18.4 billion, thanks to higher volumes and a strong performance of the Agriculture and Oil & Gas segments. However, EBIT before special items declined 5% to €1.8 billion. Meeting the earnings forecast announced at the beginning of 2013 now appears "significantly more challenging," BASF CEO Kurt Bock said, but stressed that the group still aims to top the 2012 figures.